Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree) at Ferris State University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$56,804

Est. from MI median (17 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$23,944

Est. from MI median (11 programs)

Analysis

Michigan's finance programs show a surprising earnings spread, with top programs hitting $68,000 while others languish in the mid-$50,000s. Based on comparable programs statewide, Ferris State likely lands around $56,800 in first-year earnings—solidly middle-of-the-pack for Michigan but slightly above the national median for finance bachelor's degrees. The estimated debt load of roughly $24,000 creates a manageable 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning your child would owe about 42% of their first-year salary.

The gap between Ferris State's projected outcomes and Michigan's top finance programs is notable—Michigan State and Oakland University graduates earn $10,000-$12,000 more right out of the gate. That difference compounds over a career. However, peer programs at this level suggest the debt burden stays reasonable, and finance degrees generally offer decent entry points into banking, corporate finance, or financial planning roles that can grow substantially with experience and credentials like the CFA.

For parents, this looks like a workable investment if your child is committed to finance, though not a standout opportunity. The estimated numbers suggest graduates can manage their debt while building careers, but they'll likely need to be strategic about internships and early job placement to maximize earning potential. If your child gained admission to one of Michigan's stronger finance programs, the earnings premium would likely justify any modest increase in cost.

Where Ferris State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (30 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Ferris State UniversityBig Rapids	$13,630	$56,804*	—	$23,944*	—
Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing	$15,988	$68,103*	$79,866	$23,250*	0.34
Oakland UniversityRochester Hills	$14,694	$61,804*	$78,839	$23,944*	0.39
Central Michigan UniversityMount Pleasant	$14,190	$60,023*	$65,653	$26,672*	0.44
Albion CollegeAlbion	$55,746	$59,926*	—	$24,979*	0.42
Walsh CollegeTroy	—	$58,735*	$60,192	$14,012*	0.24
National Median	—	$53,590*	—	$23,332*	0.44

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with finance and financial management services graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Personal Financial Advisors

Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives. May also buy and sell financial assets for clients.

$102,140/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Insurance Underwriters

Review individual applications for insurance to evaluate degree of risk involved and determine acceptance of applications.

$79,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Ferris State University, approximately 34% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 17 similar programs in MI. Actual outcomes may vary.